Resilient strap member with side rail assembly

ABSTRACT

A restraint assembly includes at least one strap and a resilient member having two ends, at least one of which is coupled to the strap such that the resilient member is in line with the strap and provides a resilient link within the restraint assembly. A limiter haves at least two ends, each of the ends of the limiter being coupled to the restraint assembly, the limiter being longer than the resilient member when the resilient member is in an un-stretched position, such that the limiter prevents the resilient member from exceeding a maximum predetermined length when the restraint assembly is stretched into a taut condition. At least one side rail is coupled to the resilient member and the strap, the side rail being positioned aside the resilient member and the strap, the side rail including coupling structure operable to couple the resilient member to the strap.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/167,442, filed Jan. 29, 2014, which is hereby incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to systems for safely andsecurely shipping and transporting loads. More particularly, the presentinvention relates to “tie down” or restraint straps for securing a loadfor storage or transportation.

2. Related Art

Numerous items are loaded and shipped each day in setting such asconsumer travel, trucking lines, airline applications, railroadstransport and the like. Examples include, without limitation, commercialpackages, barrels, crates, vehicles, etc., that are stored on shippingtrucks, trains, or aircraft. Additionally, ATVs, motorcycles, campinggear, etc., may be transported on private vehicles on roof racks, truckbeds, trailers, etc.

The need for such loads to be well secured is appreciated by anyone withany experience in transporting goods. If any secured item becomesinadvertently dislodged during transport, the results can becatastrophic. Even if the secured item doesn't damage another vehicle,it can itself become damaged to a large extent.

While a variety of known strap systems have been used to secure suchloads, significant problems remain with such systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It has been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop asecuring or strapping assembly that can adjust to varying tensioningconditions during the shipping process.

In accordance with one embodiment, a strap assembly is provided,including at least one strap and a resilient member having two ends, atleast one of which is coupled to the strap such that the resilientmember is in line with the strap and provides a resilient link withinthe restraint assembly. A limiter can have at least two ends, each ofthe ends of the limiter being coupled to the restraint assembly. Thelimiter can be longer than the resilient member when the resilientmember is in an un-stretched position, such that the limiter preventsthe resilient member from exceeding a maximum predetermined length whenthe restraint assembly is stretched into a taut condition. At least oneside rail can be coupled to the resilient member and the strap, the siderail being positioned aside the resilient member and the strap, the siderail including coupling structure operable to couple the resilientmember to the strap.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a restraintassembly is provided, including a strap and a resilient member havingtwo ends. At least two side rails are provided, one of which is coupledto one end of the resilient member and to the strap, and an other ofwhich is coupled to an other end of the resilient member and to thestrap. A limiter can have at least two ends, one of which is coupled toone of the side rails and an other of which is coupled to an other ofthe side rails. A first and second end fitting can be provided, thefirst end fitting coupled to the strap on one end, the second endfitting coupled to the strap on an opposite end. A fastener device canbe coupled to the restraint assembly, the fastener device being operableto securely engage the strap and hold the strap in a taut condition. Thelimiter can be longer than the resilient member when the resilientmember is in an un-stretched position, such that the limiter preventsthe resilient member from exceeding a maximum predetermined length whenthe restraint assembly is stretched into a taut condition.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a restraint assemblyis provided, including at least one strap and a resilient member havingtwo ends, at least one of which is coupled to the strap such that theresilient member is in line with the strap and provides a resilient linkwithin the restraint assembly. An extendable limiter can be providedthat includes two ends, each of the ends of the limiter being coupled tothe restraint assembly. At least one side rail can be coupled to theresilient member and the strap, the side rail being positioned aside theresilient member and the strap, the side rail including couplingstructure operable to couple the resilient member to the strap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be apparentfrom the detailed description which follows, taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example,features of the invention; and, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a strap assembly in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective, exploded view of the strap assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another strap assembly in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another strap assembly in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the strap assembly of FIG. 1, shown inan extended or taught condition;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the strap assembly of FIG. 1, shown securing aload to an arbitrary surface;

FIG. 7 is a top view of another strap assembly in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the strap assembly of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the strap assembly of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10a is a side view of the side rail of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10b is a perspective view of the side rail of FIG. 10a ; and

FIG. 11 is a partial view of another strap assembly in accordance withan embodiment of the invention.

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated, andspecific language will be used herein to describe the same. It willnevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of theinvention is thereby intended.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENT(S) Definitions

As used herein, the singular forms “a” and “the” can include pluralreferents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, forexample, reference to “a strap” can include one or more of such straps.

As used herein, the terms “attached,” “coupled,” fixed,” etc., can beused to describe a condition in which two or more components are coupledto one another in such a manner that they function as intended: that is,the force required to uncouple the components is sufficiently large suchthat the components will remain attached to one another during theservice for which they were designed. Unless indicated to the contrary,such “coupled” components can be separable if sufficient force isapplied to the components. In some aspects of the invention, componentsare elastically fixed or coupled to one another and will remain fixedduring the useful life of the product for which they are designed;however, they may be uncoupled from one another using an appropriatelevel of force (applied in an appropriate manner and location), and willreturn to an original configuration (e.g., a condition, state, shape,size, etc.), which existed prior to the components being coupled to oneanother.

As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to the complete ornearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property,state, structure, item, or result. As an arbitrary example, an objectthat is “substantially” enclosed would mean that the object is eithercompletely enclosed or nearly completely enclosed. The exact allowabledegree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases dependon the specific context. However, generally speaking the nearness ofcompletion will be so as to have the same overall result as if absoluteand total completion were obtained. The use of “substantially” isequally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to thecomplete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property,state, structure, item, or result. As another arbitrary example, acomposition that is “substantially free of” an ingredient or element maystill actually contain such item as long as there is no measurableeffect thereof.

As used herein, the term “about” is used to provide flexibility to anumerical range endpoint by providing that a given value may be “alittle above” or “a little below” the endpoint.

As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositionalelements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list forconvenience. However, these lists should be construed as though eachmember of the list is individually identified as a separate and uniquemember. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as ade facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based ontheir presentation in a common group without indications to thecontrary.

Numerical data may be expressed or presented herein in a range format.It is to be understood that such a range format is used merely forconvenience and brevity and thus should be interpreted flexibly toinclude not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limitsof the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values orsub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value andsub-range is explicitly recited. As an illustration, a numerical rangeof “about 1 to about 5” should be interpreted to include not only theexplicitly recited values of about 1 to about 5, but also includeindividual values and sub-ranges within the indicated range. Thus,included in this numerical range are individual values such as 2, 3, and4 and sub-ranges such as from 1-3, from 2-4, and from 3-5, etc., as wellas 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, individually.

This same principle applies to ranges reciting only one numerical valueas a minimum or a maximum. Furthermore, such an interpretation shouldapply regardless of the breadth of the range or the characteristicsbeing described.

The terms “in-line,” “in parallel,” “in series,” etc., are used hereinto describe the relationship between various components as loads areapplied to and/or carried by such components. For example, a loadcarried by components that are “in-line” or “in series” is appliedequally to each of those components (end-to-end). A load carried bycomponents that are “in parallel” is divided between those components.This relationship of force is analogous to the terms as they are used inelectrical circuits. Two straps that are coupled end-to-end are inseries or in-line with one another. Two straps that are coupled to thesame end points, but lie substantially parallel to one another are inparallel, as that term is used herein.

Invention

As is generally illustrated in the figures, and discussed in more detailbelow, the present technology provides a strap system that can beadvantageously used to secure a wide variety of cargo duringtransportation. The strap system is well suited for use in consumerapplications (e.g., pick-up truck beds, trailers, etc.), commercialapplications such as trucking, railroad, marine-craft and aircraft, etc.While basic “tie-down” systems have been used with some success in thepast, they suffer from a number of disadvantages. For example, one majorproblem with currently employed securing systems is that these systemsare substantially static, meaning that they implement only fairly rigidstraps, ropes, or other cord-like systems which are designed to apply astatic tension to hold the load in position.

One problem which arises from these conventional systems is that thestraps, while secure initially, can become loosened as the vehiclevibrates or is jarred either through micro-movements caused by thevibration, or by plastic deformation or other slippage which may occurwhen the load is jarred. Once the strap system becomes loosened, theintegrity of the tie-down is significantly comprised due to any numberof factors. One factor which compromises the tie-down's integrity arisesfrom the fact that, after the tie-down becomes loosened, the position ofthe straps may more easily shift relative to the load, which may allowthe load to slip out from under the straps.

An additional factor arises when, once the tie-down is loosened, anysubsequent shifting or jarring of the cargo allows for the cargo toaccelerate for a small distance prior to engagement of the strap andthereby apply a dynamic load to the strap, which may result in tie-downfailure. The foregoing examples are not intended to recite an exhaustivelist of reasons why a loose tie-down may be inadequate, rather, theforegoing examples merely illustrate that it is generally undesirable tohave loose tie-downs on a piece of cargo.

The present invention addresses this and other issues by providing astrap assembly having at least one strap and a resilient member or linkwithin the assembly. This resilient member is intended to be stretched,i.e. elastically expanded along the length of the strap assembly. Thisresilient member or link within the assembly allows the strap assemblyto apply a relatively constant tension to the load or cargo, even givena certain amount of slippage or loosening of the strap assembly due toany vibration or jarring of the load.

This is accomplished by providing a certain amount of damping tovibration, with the vibrations being absorbed by the resilient member.Furthermore, there is a certain degree of elasticity that allows forsmall movements in the event of a sudden force upon, and subsequentshift of, the cargo. In which case, the resilient member is expanded orstretched rather than allowing the strap to become loosened or movedrelative to the secured load.

Additionally the resilient member may be further reinforced by a limiterassembly. This limiter may be coupled to the strap assembly on one ormore opposing sides of the resilient member. The limiter can beconfigured so as to be longer than the resilient member in anun-stretched state. By providing a limiter in such a fashion, thelimiter remains un-engaged until the resilient member is stretchedsufficiently such that its length matches the length of the limiter.After the resilient member is stretched to such a length, the limiter isengaged and thus prevents the resilient member from stretching furtherand perhaps exceeding its elastic load capacity.

Turning now specifically to the figures, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate anen-exemplary embodiment of the invention that includes a restraintassembly 10. The assembly can include two or more straps 12, 13, 14. Aresilient member 16 can include a first end 18 and a second end 20. Theresilient member can be coupled to the straps such that the resilientmember is in line with the straps and provides a resilient link withinthe restraint assembly. A limiter 22 can have at least two ends 24, 26.Each of the ends of the limiter can be coupled to the restraint assemblyin various locations. The limiter is generally longer than the resilientmember 16 when the resilient member is in an un-stretched position. Inthis manner, the limiter 22 prevents the resilient member 16 fromexceeding a maximum predetermined length when the restraint assembly isstretched into a taut condition.

While the various components can be formed from a range of materials, inone aspect, the straps 12, 13, 14 and limiter 22 are formed from nylonwebbing, a known material used in such applications as tie-down strapsand the like. Such webbing typically will not stretch a great deal froman initial configuration (on the order of about 3%). Thus, the webbing,while stretching slightly when placed into tension, is not designed toextend to any great degree when pulled taught. The resilient member,however, can be formed from thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) orthermoplastic rubber (TPR). This material will typically stretch a greatdeal, up to about 200% of an initial configuration. The resilient membercan thus stretch much more than can the straps and limiter. In oneaspect of the invention, the resilient member is capable of elasticallystretching about five times or more than will the webbing material. Inone aspect, the resilient member is formed from Elastollan® TPU(thermoplastic polyurethane).

While not so required, in one aspect of the invention, the resilientmember 16 is formed of TPE, TPR or TPU. It can include an overall lengthof about 4.88 inches, a width of about 1 and ⅛ inches in the center ofthe member), and a thickness (in the center of the member) of about 0.5inches.

In the example shown, a fastener device 30 is provided that can becoupled within the restraint assembly 10. The fastener device isoperable to securely engage the strap and retain the strap in a tautcondition. As shown, the fastener device is coupled between, and in-linewith, straps 12 and 13. In this example, the fastener device comprises aknown ratcheting device through which one strap (strap 12 in this case)is threaded. The other end or side of the ratcheting device is coupledto strap 13. The ratcheting device can be used to incrementally andsecurely tighten the restraint assembly about, around or over a load tobe secured.

A pair of end fittings 32, 34 can be coupled on opposing ends of therestraint assembly. In the example shown, the end fittings comprise apair of hooks that can be coupled to auxiliary structure to secure aload (see, e.g., FIG. 6 and the related discussion for more details onthis aspect).

FIG. 2 illustrates the restraint assembly 10 in exploded view. In thisview, one or more coupling rings 36, 38 can be seen more clearly. Thecoupling rings can aid in coupling the various components of the systemone to another. In one aspect of the invention, the coupling rings caninclude at least two outer connection points 40, 42 (shown for ring 36only). One outer connection point 40 can couple the ring to the strap 12and one outer connection point 42 can couple the ring to the resilientmember 16. An inner connection point 44 can be positioned intermediatethe outer connection points. The inner connection point can couple thering 36 to the limiter 22.

In this manner, the limiter 22 and the resilient member 16 can beconfigured in a parallel relationship. Thus, as the various strapmembers are pulled into a taught condition (see, e.g., FIG. 6), theresilient member 16 is also stretched into a taught condition. As alsoshown in FIG. 5, once the resilient member is stretched to apredetermined maximum length, the limiter 22 is engaged and stretchedtaught between coupling rings 36 and 38. The limiter then serves toprevent further stretching of the resilient member. Once the restraintassembly 10 is pulled into this configuration, the restraint assemblycan maintain a secure restraining force over, around or about a load andwill not become loose during transit.

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the invention in which thefastener device 30 a comprises a cam-lock device. In this embodiment,the strap 12 simply pulled through the cam-lock device, and oncetensioned is released. At this point, the cam-lock device engages thestrap and prevents it from retracting back through the cam-lock.

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the invention in which theresilient member 16 and the limiter 22 are directly coupled between endfitting 34 and ratcheting device 30. This embodiment of the inventioncan be advantageous in applications where a user wishes to use his- orher-own strap (not shown) in connection with the current system. Thismay be the case where a particular application already includes a strap(perhaps already attached to another device) and straps 12, 13, 14 arenot desired.

FIG. 5 shows resilient member 16 and the limiter 22 as they would appearunder load, with the limiter stretched to such a degree that furtherstretching of the resilient member 16 is prevented. Stretched to thislimit, the resilient member is well suited to absorb small vibrations,yet still allow a certain degree of elasticity which allows for smallmovements in the event of a sudden force upon, and subsequent shift of,the cargo. This prevents the overall strap assembly from looseningslowly over time due to vibrational forces.

FIG. 6 illustrates the system in use securing a random load 50. The loadcan, of course, be any number of items such as a crate, a barrel, anATV, cooler, etc. As shown, end fittings 32, 34 are coupled to someexternal structure 52 (such as a trailer bed, truck bed, marine vessel,rail car, etc.). Once properly positioned, the ratcheting device 30 canbe activated to stretch or pull straps 12, 13, 14 into a taughtcondition. At this point, the ratchet device can continue to beactivated until resilient member 16 is pulled taught and, eventually,until limiter 22 is engaged. The resulting configuration very securelyengages the load 50, and is immune to becoming loosened during movementof the external structure 52, even in very severe vibrational anderratic movements.

FIGS. 7, 8, 9 and 10 a-10 b illustrate a further embodiment of theinvention in which a side rail assembly 100 is utilized to secure theresilient member 160 to the strap 120. In this aspect, the resilientmember 160 includes a generalized “dog bone” shape, as describedthroughout, with openings formed on each end of the member: theseopenings are oriented in a direction orthogonal to the direction ofextension of the member (e.g., into the page of FIG. 8). Anchors orfasteners 610, 620, 630, 640, etc., can be installed through theopenings formed in the resilient member, as well as through openings660, 662 formed in side rail 600 (see FIGS. 10a, 10b for example).

In use, one or a pair of side rails 600 is positioned adjacent theresilient member 160 and adjacent the strap 120. Anchors 610, 620, etc.can be installed through the side rail 600 and properly secured (via,for example, a threaded fastener, a pin, etc., as would be appreciatedby one of ordinary skill in the art having possession of thisdisclosure). The anchors can be installed through loops (discussed inmore detail below) formed in the strap 120 and properly secured. In thismanner, the resilient member is securely attached to the strap. In theexample shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, limiter 220 is positioned adjacent(below) the resilient member, and in line physically with the resilientmember.

The side rail assembly 100 provides a secure coupling between theresilient member 160 and the strap 120. The side rails 600 (used inpairs, where appropriate) provide a rigid support that is not assusceptible to twisting or binding as are conventional components. Thepresent technology also provides a manner by which the resilient member(or strap) can be replaced or interchanged, as desired, by simplyremoving the anchors 610, 620, 630, 640, etc. Thus, if a resilientmember is damaged, or if a user wishes to utilize a resilient memberhaving different load characteristics, he or she can quickly and easilychange the resilient member configuration.

The anchors can be installed relative to the side rails at an orthogonalangle. In this manner, the loads experienced by the strap loops, thestrap, the openings in the resilient member, and the resilient membercan be applied in the best possible orientation. In conventionalsystems, a hook or other structure looped through the resilient membermay apply point loads if twisted or pulled too far. Such point loadingcan lead to premature damage or failure of the resilient member or thestrap. The present technology better maintains proper alignment of theside supports (rails), and cross load bearing members (anchors) duringuse of the system.

The strap 120 can be formed from a continuous piece of material that canbe folded over upon itself and secured relative to itself to form thevarious components. For example, loops 670 a, 670 b, 670 c, 670 d and670 e are shown in FIG. 8. Loop 670 a can be utilized to attach thestrap to fastening device, such as a cam lock or ratchet, as discussedabove. Either or both of these types of fastening devices can be used inthis embodiment, as will be appreciated from the discussion above.

In the example shown, a continuous loop hook 680 is attached throughloop 670 e. Loops 670 b and 670 c are used in connection with side railassemblies 100 to attach the resilient member to the strap. In oneembodiment, the strap 120 is coupled to itself, or reinforced, atdesired locations by threaded sewing joints. See, for example, locations700, 702, 704, etc., in FIG. 7, which illustrate threaded reinforced orattachment points.

FIGS. 10a and 10b illustrate an exemplary side rail 600 in more detail.The side rail can be formed from a variety of materials, including,without limitation, mild steel. While not so limited, the side rail caninclude a length of about 1.875 inches, a thickness of about 0.1875inches, and a height (top to bottom in FIG. 10a ) of about 0.875 inches.The distance between openings 660 and 662 can be about 1.0 inch (oncenter).

FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of the invention in which a pairof resilient members 160 a, 160 b are arranged in a side-by-sideconfiguration. In this aspect, the side rails 600 a, 600 b can include adogleg or stepped configuration that extends (when used in the pairingsshown) from a wider spacing adjacent the two resilient members to a morenarrow spacing adjacent the strap 120.

This aspect of the invention allows the use of two resilient memberswith the same strap, tensioning members, fastening devices, etc.,discussed above. Using two resilient members in a side-by-siderelationship can provide increase load rating while only slightlyincreasing the effective width of the resilient members.

In addition to the structural elements discussed above, the presentinvention provides a method of providing a secure connection between twoconnection points comprising. The method can include connecting arestraint assembly between two connection points. The restraint assemblycan include: at least one strap; a resilient member oriented in-linewith the strap; and a limiter configured to limit the resilient memberto a maximum predetermined length. The method can include tensioning therestraint assembly in order to cause the resilient member to stretch toa length beyond its initial un-stretched length but not to an extentgreater than that allowed by the limiter. The method can includetensioning the restraint assembly includes utilizing a ratchetingmechanism provided in-line with the strap assembly to provide thetensioning force to the restraint assembly.

While the forgoing examples are illustrative of the principles of thepresent invention in one or more particular applications, it will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerousmodifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be madewithout the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing fromthe principles and concepts of the invention. Accordingly, it is notintended that the invention be limited, except as by the claims setforth below.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A restraint assembly comprising: a strap; aresilient member having two ends; at least two side rails, one of whichis coupled to one of the ends of the resilient member and to the strap,and an other of which is coupled to an other of the ends of theresilient member and to the strap; a limiter having at least two ends,one of which is coupled to one of the side rails and an other of whichis coupled to an other of the side rails; a first and second endfitting, the first end fitting coupled to the strap on one end of thestrap, the second end fitting coupled to the strap on an opposite end ofthe strap; and a fastener device coupled to the restraint assembly, thefastener device being operable to securely engage the strap and hold thestrap in a taut condition; wherein the limiter is longer than theresilient member when the resilient member is in an un-stretchedposition, such that the limiter prevents the resilient member fromexceeding a maximum predetermined length when the restraint assembly isstretched into a taut condition.
 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein thefastener device comprises a ratcheting device, the ratcheting deviceallowing incremental tightening of the strap to provide leveragedtightening of the restraint assembly between two connection points. 3.The assembly of claim 1, wherein the fastener device comprises a camlock.
 4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the limiter is separate fromthe resilient member and is positioned aside the resilient member. 5.The assembly of claim 1, wherein each side rail includes a rigid plate.6. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a pair of side rails,each of the pair of side rails being positioned on opposing sides of theresilient member and the strap.
 7. The assembly of claim 6, furthercomprising a second pair of side rails, one of the pairs of side railsbeing positioned on opposing sides of each end of the resilient member.8. The assembly of claim 6, further comprising a pair of anchorscoupling the resilient member to the strap, one anchor of the pair ofanchors coupled to the strap and to one of the side rails, and an otheranchor of the pair of anchors coupled to the resilient member and to oneof the side rails.